Exploring the Canal du Midi on a Rental Boat, Episode 553

Category: Occitanie

Have You Dreamed of Exploring the Canal du Midi?

Do you want to spend your days gliding past vineyards and medieval villages in southern France? Exploring the Canal du Midi on a rental boat might be the perfect trip for you.

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent talks with John and Sally Capets about their week-long adventure exploring the Canal du Midi with friends. They share what it’s really like to rent a boat, navigate locks, and live on the water while traveling through Occitanie.

If you’ve searched for Canal du Midi boat rental, Canal du Midi with kids, or Canal du Midi itinerary, you’ll find practical, honest advice in this conversation.

Listen to this episode ad-free

What Is the Canal du Midi?

The Canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s most famous canals. It stretches from Toulouse to the Mediterranean, passing through Carcassonne, Béziers, Castelnaudary, and small wine villages along the way.

It’s a favorite for slow travel in France because it allows you to see the countryside at 5 km/h, stopping for lunch in canal-side villages and exploring by bike.

What Is It Like to Rent a Boat?

John and Annie discuss how Exploring the Canal du Midi by boat requires planning but rewards you with unique experiences. John rented a Le Boat Horizon 5, which had five small cabins and enough space for nine friends. They learned to navigate the locks on the Canal du Midi, including the famous Fonseranes Locks near Béziers.

They talk about the fun of biking along the towpath, stopping for pastries in the morning, and enjoying French wine in the evenings. They also share tips about packing light and renting a boat with an extra cabin to store luggage and provisions.

Must-See Stops Along the Canal

When exploring the Canal du Midi, John recommends several memorable stops:

• La Cité de Carcassonne, a medieval fortress you can see from your boat.
• The Fonseranes Locks, an engineering marvel near Béziers.
• The Malpas Tunnel, the first navigable canal tunnel in the world.
• Canal-side dining in Colombiers at Au Lavoir.
• A relaxed stroll through Castelnaudary, home of cassoulet.
• You can see the funny metal art Sally mentioned at the Ecluse de l'Aiguille here.

These stops let you experience French food, wine, and history without rushing.

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Exploring the Canal du Midi is not just a vacation; it’s an adventure. You will need to assign crew duties for navigating the locks and understand the pace of canal travel. It’s slower than you think, but that’s the beauty of it.

John shares how September weather was cooler than expected, and finding open restaurants for a large group was sometimes tricky. If you travel during the shoulder season in France, plan ahead for meals or enjoy cooking on the boat.

Why This Trip Is Worth It

John and Annie agree that Exploring the Canal du Midi gives you a unique view of France. You can wave to cyclists, walk into a village for fresh bread, and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets over the water.

It’s a perfect way to slow down and experience Occitanie and the south of France. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, you’ll create memories you will cherish.

Listen to the Episode

Ready to learn more about Exploring the Canal du Midi on a rental boat? Listen to this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast to hear John’s honest insights and Annie’s practical questions.

You’ll get ideas to plan your own trip and avoid common mistakes while dreaming of your own days on the canal.

Listen now and start planning your slow travel adventure in France!

More episodes about the Occitanie region of France

#CanalDuMidi, #FranceTravel, #SlowTravel, #FrenchWaterways, #BargeHoliday, #BoatRentalFrance, #ExploreFrance, #TravelPodcast, #JoinUsInFrance, #FrenchCulture, #HiddenFrance, #FranceItinerary, #FrenchVacation, #VisitFrance, #TravelTips, #CanalBoat, #FrenchCountryside, #EuropeTravel, #FranceByWater, #FranceAdventure

FOLLOW US ON:

Discussed in this Episode

• Canal du Midi
• Le Boat
• Portiragnes
• Port Cassafières
• Castelnaudary
• Toulouse
• Béziers
• Carcassonne
• Colombiers
• Au Lavoir Restaurant
• Malpas Tunnel
• Etang de Montady
• Ecluse de L'Aiguille
• Les Halles de Béziers

Subscribe to the Podcast

Support the Show

Read more about this episode

Category: Occitanie